ALBUM REVIEW: "Better Angels"

It only takes a few good bands to turn a scene into a scene. Yes there are more than a few competent roots-rockers pouring it out nightly on the Rochester stage, but it is constants like Woody Dodge with its longevity that truly define this town's stake in Americana anywhere and everywhere. "Better Angels" kicks off cautiously with dreamy licks on "Barns," but by the time it hits "Without" things pick up a bit only to be dynamically dashed against the rocks with the a cappella teaser at the front of "Hard To Imagine." The album — and the whole band for that matter — circles its wagons around its songs' power and simple beauty.